Between the Pages with Katrina

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than thirty romance novels, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—a 2011 Carol Award winner. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of becoming an author.

When I picked this book up I literally couldn't put it down. I read through the entire book in one day and planned the next day to get my review posted, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I ended up sick, thanks to my children, and in bed for a few days. Yes, I know everyone has been there. When I started feeling better I started to write my review, but didn't feel I could give it a proper review so I picked my book back up and read it again.

My Thoughts:

This is suspense at it's best!!

I have been reading Elizabeth Goddard's books from LIS for years so I was excited to see she was writing a series for Revell. Her books are best known for the edge of your seat suspense, complex characters, engaging plots, faith, and a touch of romance and that's what I like most. Honestly, this book meets all that criteria and more.

This story starts in Washington state where we meet Willow Anderson. She is a Forensic Geneaologist who was raised by her grandfather after her parents was killed. Willow followed in her grandfather's footsteps in her career and was also his business partner. After his death she wants to honor his memory and begans to look at the last case he was working and hopes to close the case for him. Unfortunately this one is a little different because it involves an abduction in Texas of a baby from years ago and this one involves living people which is something that very seldom happens. Another thing that is of concern to her is the fact that her grandfather had contacted Austin McKade, who is someone from her past, but with his FBI contacts maybe he could offer clues of where to start with the case.

Austin McKade has been out of the area for a while working on a case, but not for the FBI. He's currently working with ex-agents called independent special agents. He could investigate and provide protection, but he no longer arrest anyone. He had received a message from J.T. Anderson about needing some assistance, but it would have to wait until he returned to Washington. Unfortunately, before his return he received word of J.T.'s death and the explosion/fire at his home. His thoughts immediately went to Willow and knew he wouldn't rest until he could talk to her.

The house explosion/fire was suspicous and under investigation. Austin knows there's more to this and plans to find answers while keeping Willow safe, whether she wants his help or not.

This wonderful book has so many elements of mystery, suspense, and emotions that I was totally captivated by it. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. The author gives a rich backstory, an incredible setting, complex characters with real issues, romantic tension, twists and turns, faith, and a delicious tale where characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who love suspense.

**I received this book from the author via the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

This is the third installment in the Atlanta Justice series and I think this is my favorite book in the series. Even though this book is part of a series I feel it is definitely a stand alone. Packed full of edge of your seat suspense and a mystery with twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. I loved these complex characters. Mia is strong and well developed character. She works for a big law firm, but readily admits that it's not her ideal job. Yet, she still gives 100% to every case she's given. When she finds her friend brutally murdered she show real and raw emotions, but instead of revenge she seeks justice. Noah, former ATF agent, runs a private security firm with two close friends. Noah receives a phone call from a former agent who happened to save his life and asks for help. Noah and Mia are on a collision course, but for different reasons. Mia has accused/believes David McDonald killed her friend, but Noah is convinced he's innocent. I like that Noah is upfront with Mia about the fact he's looking for answers to prove David's innocence and will leave no stone uncovered. When Mia starts asking questions the case heats up and suddenly she and Noah find things much more complicated that they ever imagined.

This book has elements of mystery, suspense, romantic tension, faith, and love. This is a great book and I would recommend to anyone who loves a suspense or mystery.

**I received this book from the author via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, a Holt Medallion Finalist, and an FHL Reader’s Choice Award Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Carla Laureano is the RITA Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Carla Laureano is a new author for me and how I have missed her books is beyond me. So now I'm on a journey to read all her books.lol Some books you read and enjoy, but others will touch your heart and soul. Well, this booked did that for me. I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down.

This book is the second installment from the author in the Supper Club series. Having never read the first book in the series, I can easily say this book is a stand alone, but I encourage you to also read the first book to get the full feel of the series.

This book centers around Melody Johannson:

When I opened this book I was intrigued by Melody. She's a French trained baker and works in a chain bakery to prepare baked goods for the following day. She has no chance to use her own recipes or talent to bring a little bit of Paris to Denver. A cold, snowy night and a chance meeting Justin, a pilot, and the next thing you know her life is no longer the predicable life she knew. Melody is a character that feels deeply and acts on her feelings. She was basically raised by her grandmother who was a professor and introduced her to works of literature that she loved. In fact she spent her college years persuing an education in literature, but while working at a bakery in school she found her one true love: baking. At present Melody is not anywhere close to where she thought she would be in her life. I think we all have had these same feeling at one time or another. I think her doubts and disappointments is what makes this character feel real to life for me. She has a vulnerability that most can relate to, but she is also a strong character. Melody would love to open her own place and when the opportunity comes available she talks to her friend, Rachel, who's a chef about a partnership that would make both their dreams come true.

This book has elements of romance, grief, disappointments, adventure of falling in love, heartbreak and most of all faith. Oh, I don't want to forget to mention the delicious food. I am a big fan of the British Baking Show and it was almost like watching another episode with Paul and Mary.lol

This captivating and heartwarming story is one I would recommend to anyone.** I received this book from the publisher via the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, January 18, 2019

I found a few more books that are releasing in February that I want to read, of course this isn't a complete list. I'm always buying books that

A cowboy protector from her past…

A McKade Law novel

Working her first case as deputy sheriff with her ex-boyfriend, Detective Cord Goodwin, Kendall McKade is determined to track the kidnappers—even if it makes her a target. Desperate to find the abducted victim, his aunt, Cord must keep Kendall safe…while also caring for his recently orphaned nephew. Teaming up threatens to rekindle Cord and Kendall’s relationship, but first they must solve a life-threatening mystery.Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired SuspenseAMAZONBARNES & NOBLECHRISTIANBOOKHARLEQUIN

Someone wants to see her silenced.

An Emergency Responders story

Back home after a mission trip, nurse and EMT Sara Southerland learns that her cousin’s death might not have been an accident—and now someone wants her dead. The only person she can trust is longtime crush and fire captain Adam Kane. With a stalker on their tail, Adam will do whatever it takes to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without.Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired SuspenseAMAZONBARNES & NOBLECHRISTIANBOOKHARLEQUIN

Hiding in Plain Sight

The second thrilling Amish Witness Protection novel

After Julia Bradford’s son witnesses a gang shooting, hiding in witness protection on Abraham King’s Amish farm is the only hope the Englischer and her children have. Even as danger closes in, Julia is drawn to the community’s peaceful ways—and the ex-cop turned Amish protector. But when their location is discovered, can Abraham protect her family…and possibly have a future by her side?Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired SuspenseAMAZONBARNES & NOBLECHRISTIANBOOKHARLEQUIN

A surprise son and a deadly secret…

The heart-stopping conclusion to Callahan Confidential

It’s a shock to private investigator Mike Callahan to see Shayla O’Hare again, and with a child in tow—especially with shots flying her way. Protecting the pair must take priority over their tangled past. Is she being targeted for her family’s crimes—including possibly killing Mike’s father? And what will Mike do when he realizes her son…is actually his son, too?Expected publication: February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired SuspenseAMAZONBARNES & NOBLECHRISTIANBOOKHARLEQUIN

From bachelor to daddy...overnight!

After his marriage ended, Gage Frasier vowed he'd never remarry or have children - but now he's guardian of an orphaned baby boy. Thankfully, his friend's sweet sister, Emma Wilder, offers to nanny while Gage seeks a more suitable family for the child. But soon Gage finds himself bonding with his new son...and with Emma. Parenthood surprised Gage, but will love sneak up on him, too?Expected publication: February 1st 2019 by Love InspiredAMAZONBARNES & NOBLECHRISTIANBOOKHARLEQUIN

Monday, January 14, 2019

Sadie Williams receives a cryptic and terrifying call from her scared sister. But when Sadie arrives at her identical twin’s home, there's no sign of Katie, only evidence of a quick flight. The puzzling situation turns potentially deadly when intruders storm the house. With help from Brock Carrington, her ex-fiancé and an ex-Marine, Sadie narrowly escapes.

Brock is an injured veteran dealing with PTSD. He's finally piecing his life back together when his ex-fiancée needs his help. Can Brock reignite their relationship and find her missing twin before they're both killed?

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of seventy-six books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household.

Loved it!!!I always know when I get a book written by Margaret Daley that I'm in for a treat. I'll tell you a secret, when my husband spots one of her books he will laugh and say I guess you'll be up late tonight. It's true because when I open one of her books I'm immediately drawn into the story and don't stop reading until the last page is turned. For this reason I use the term one setting read for a lot of books. This book is the 3rd installment in the Everyday Heroes series, but it's definitely a stand alone story. This book brings elements of edge of your seat suspense, plot twists and turns, complex characters, romantic tension, turmoil, crisis of faith, and love. This story centers around Sadie Williams. She grew up Butte City, Colorado with her twin sister, Katie. Of course life doesn't always turn out the way you plan, especially for Sadie. 4 years ago she was engaged to literally the boy, Brock Carrington, next door and was planning their future. Then came the dread news that Brock was injured in battle and flown to Germany. Sadie immediately flew out to be with him, but Brock ended their relationship and broke her heart all at the same time. When she hears Brock is returning home Sadie knows she must leave and learn to live without him. Sadie has been busy in the past 4 years. She has written a cookbook and her cooking shows are very popular. She has decided to moved back to Butte City to be closer to her sister who still resides in the family cabin in the mountains. With Brock living next door to Katie, Sadie dreads accidentally running into him, but with Katie's cryptic call and the "twin spidey sense" Sadie knows something is very wrong. Brock has not spoken with Sadie in years. He knew his harsh words were cruel to her, but he didn't want her pity not then or now. Learning to live without his leg was one thing, but dealing with PTSD was always with him and not something that was easy. His support group had helped a lot and so had his support dog, Bella. In fact he has just started to train Bella in search and rescue which gave him great satisfaction in being able to help people. This is a fantastic book. It is a mystery laced with spine tingling suspense. The characters are complex, but endearing as they endure with the turmoil of dealing with romantic tension during life and death situations. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who love suspense. *I received this book from the author. I was not expected to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, January 11, 2019

Have you ever has a favorite author or maybe a series you're reading and wonder how long do I have to wait for the next book? Well, I do all the time. Then I will see a review and think how did I miss this one. Today I'm going to post about books that will be released from some publishing houses that I'm looking forward to reading or at least buying to put in my TBR pile. Remember some of these books come with gifts if you pre-order them. I know Never Let Go has a link to it, so let me know if you would like it.

As most who follow my blog know I love suspense, but I also enjoy many other genres. I love reading, but I want a good, clean read. I want to be drawn into the story. Many authors I review do this with ease by just weaving words together that bring both character and setting to life. Occasionally I will read a book blurb and become interested to only find while reading the author sometimes adds explicit scenes. While I don't particularly like this, by no way does it come into play when I'm writing a review.

Here are just a few that will be released in February and next Friday I will bring more being released in February. Can you guess I am going to need a new bookshelf.lol

Okay, here we go.......

When an Open-and-Shut Murder Case Gets Complicated,Can She Overcome Her Need for Justice?Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more to worry about than the criminal prosecution. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding dark secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion about the killer's identity. Can Noah win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiancé, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.

Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down. Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Only God can heal our heartsLife is full of twists and turns. Relationships falter, careers fizzle, health fades. We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we never expected. Yet in all of it, God is at our side--even when He feels far away.

Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith turns her pen to what we can learn about trusting God from women like Eve, Noah's wife, Sarai, Hagar, Lot's wife, Rebekah, Rachel, and more. You'll discover what these ancient women did right--and what they did wrong--when faced with dashed expectations and deferred dreams. And you'll come away with the confidence that God loves you and is forming you through your trials into the woman He longs for you to be.

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat upForensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching. And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

When shipwreck archaeologist Cora Strand is attacked and the research boat she’s on explodes, her ex comes to her rescue. Years ago, Kirk Higgins forfeited her heart, and now with no memory of who attacked her, Cora must trust him with her life. But at the risk of blowing his cover, can the NCIS agent stop a killer determined to put them both in a watery grave?

Meet the Author:Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books BURIED and BACKFIRE in the Mountain Cove series. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children.Connect Online:WEBSITEFACEBOOKTWITTERPINTERESTGOODREADSMy Thoughts:Elizabeth Goddard is one of my favorite authors. She writes my favorite genres and I know the way she weaves words together always brings both the characters and setting to life for me. Her plots are edge of your seat suspense, but she also brings a faith element to the story. This is the third installment in the Coldwater Bay Intrigue series, but it's easily a stand alone book in my opinion. For me, this was a spectacular read!From the first page I was drawn in and captivated until the last page was turned.Once I got started, I didn't want to put it down. So for that to me, I classified it as a one sitting read. Cora Strand is a young woman who accepted a job 2 months ago as a shipwreck archaeologist on board the research vessel Sea Dragon. Being a member of the science team is her dream job. She has a passion for the sea and what she can find and learn from ships that have gone down. Some do this for treasure hunting, but for her the treasure is in finding and researching history. Kirk Higgins was hired on the Sea Dragon as part of the dive team. With his impressive archaeological credentials, diving skills, and having served in the Navy getting the job was not the problem, but keeping his real purpose for being there a secret might be. He's looking for answers to the disappearance of his childhood friend, Drake Jackson. Both are strong characters that will pull on your heart strings. I liked that Cora has a strong faith and isn't afraid to lean on God for guidance for strength and guidance. Kirk has to face the fact that he has always had feelings for Cora and that he had literally pushed her away years ago. He has a tough exterior, but also a softer side. This book has elements of faith, trust issues, crisis of faith, romantic tension, spine tingling suspense, unexpected twists, turmoil, and love. It's a book I would recommend to anyone who loves suspense. *I received this book from the author. I was not expected to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.